The Dark Vault is a high-security section of Warehouse 13. It houses the most dangerous and dark artifacts in the Warehouse. A majority of these artifacts appear to be sensory-activated, as the warning sign indicates. There are multiple entries and exits from the Dark Vault, each having a high-level keypad. The contents of the Vault do not appear to be arranged in any particular order and each artifact is on its own pedestal instead of on a shelf to make avoiding the artifacts easier and safer. Each artifact has its own neutralizer containment field, so that the artifacts can be controlled. These containment fields run on back-up generators, in case the main generators go offline. Some artifacts do "fight" against their containment fields. It appears that some of the artifacts affect humans, even while surrounded by the containment field. Under the effects of the astrolabe, Artie ransacked the Vault, disturbing a lot of artifacts.

In "A Faire to Remember", the Dark Vault was renovated to include some of the same security protocols Paracelsus designed in the alternate time line while incorporating Arties own "steam punk motif". This new Dark Vault is also equipped with tranquilizer dart guns hanging on the walls meant to be used in extreme emergencies if a person is affected by an artifact. The Vault was trashed by Myka, however, while under the effects of Frances Farmer's Music Box so some artifacts may have been damaged.

Given the danger presented by its contents, the Dark Vault is, understandably, one of the highest priorities in any situation concerning moving or rebuilding the Warehouse.

Old Candelabra: Seen next to Sylvia Plath's Typewriter. Effects unknown. [2]

Yatagarasu's Feather: The feather of the three-legged crow that guided the Emperor Jimmu. Though it wasn't seen, it radiated an intense golden light and the sounds of crows cawing could be heard. Apparently looking at it will drive the victim insane.

Cake Shovel: Effects unknown. It was tossed by whemmied Myka to kill Artie.

Vacuum Sanitizer: Effects unknown. It was tossed by whemmied Myka on Claudia. It squirting water from that.

Hairy Doll: Effects unknown. In new Dark vault.

Only two artifacts are known to have to been moved to the Dark Vault after being originally housed in the main storage area. Lewis Carroll's Looking Glass which was moved to the Dark Vault after it imprisoned Myka and let loose a murderer who temporarily possessed Myka's physical form in the real world. The Aztec Bloodstone was placed on a random warehouse shelf by Artie but later appears in the vault.[1]